Interview with Élodie Tessier: “I am a strong transition player”

Canadian senior national team player, Elodie Tessier will study at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and play for the Lady Movin’ Mavs next season. She will look to add depth to the team in the hopes of regaining a national championship following the graduations of Abby Dunkin and Rose Hollermann. Rollt.’s Dylan Cummings spoke with Elodie as she discussed her decision to study in the States.

Why did you choose study and play at UTA?

“My focus for this year and next year is to prepare for Tokyo 2020 and I know that UTA will help me improve the skills I need to become a better athlete. The college is in a great league and I will be able to push against strong players during the season and develop as a player.”

How do you intend to fit into the team?

“I know that I will be able to bring a strong defence and speed to UTA. I want to bring a positive energy and I would like to develop a strong team spirit. I will definitely pass on my knowledge and experience from the Canadian national team to the UTA girls.”

Why did you choose to move to America for college?

“I always wanted to go live somewhere other than Canada just to experience other cultures and I wanted to give myself a challenge by living somewhere else. I believe that the University of Texas at Arlington will bring me challenges and make grow as athlete and as a person.”

What will challenge you in the NWBA intercollegiate league?

“The biggest challenge for me will be to not have my family close to me. I am excited to go back to school and to play alongside different athletes, learn different styles and be coached by different coaches but my main challenge will be being far away from home.”

How do you think the styles of play will differ between the Toronto Rollin Raptors and UTA?

“I am hoping to develop my offensive game with UTA. I would like to be able to take more shots and to be a threat on offence. I want to be able to use my speed in transition to score some easy points and to be a better ball handler.”

Do you think there will be a difference between NWBA national league and the NWBA intercollegiate league?

“The big difference for me will be to play all year with a women’s team. I’ve been practicing and playing alongside men almost my entire career, but basketball stays the same game no matter where you play and who you play alongside.”

What are your goals for next season?

“My goal for next season is to develop our team at UTA, mainly to create a positive team spirit and to take the time to get to know everyone. I want to compete to win and my personal goal is to be a better offensive athlete by developing my shot and becoming a better ball handler.”

How has Team Canada been preparing for the Para Pan Am Games?

“We have been centralised in Toronto, Ontario from May until the end of the summer. We had a couple of tournaments during the summer and we are proud of the evolution we have made. We only have two weeks to go until Para Pan Am Games and I know we can reach another step towards our process of development.”

How does Canadian culture differ from American culture?

“One of the things that first comes to mind is the language we use. I am from Québec and our first language is French and down in Texas it’s English and Spanish. I will take the opportunity to learn a third language. The second thing that comes to mind are the holidays which is are a little bit different, but I can’t wait to experience Texas and its culture.”

What will you miss the most about Canada when you are studying in America?

“I will definitely miss my family so much when I will be in the States.”

“You have to push your own limits, and that consistency and discipline are the keys for results.”

Current Canadian national team players Arinn Young and Rosalie Lalonde are studying at Alabama. Several Canadians have come through the Alabama programme, with this in mind, what made you choose UTA over Alabama?

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to push against each other during the season. I decided to go to UTA because I don’t know a lot of people and I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone but thought it would be also really fun to play with them. I can’t wait to play against my teammates on the national team.”